Soil substrates

Characteristics of a soil substrate

Soil substrate is one of the most widely used mediums in horticulture, due to its ease of use and excellent price. It is the most traditional type of substrate and is used to grow a wide variety of plant species, which is why it is understandable that it has been so widespread since the beginnings of horticulture. 

A good soil substrate has to be made from the best raw materials and have a proportionate mix of ingredients. Traditionally, many growers have mixed the soil substrate to suit the required conditions, and this is still done in many cases.

Nowadays, however, there are soil substrate formulas that have the optimal combination of ingredients for healthy and vigorous plant growth. Thus, in addition to natural soil, a good soil substrate can also contain other elements such as a nutrient base for plants.

There are substrates that also use other elements such as dolomite, bat guano, earthworm humus, coconut fibre, etc. to promote oxygenation of the roots and nutrient supply. These elements improve root respiration and provide the plants with an extra dose of nutrients for proper growth.

Drainage is another of the key points of a good substrate. Many soils contain perlite, a kind of volcanic sand that improves the oxygenation of the substrate, making it more spongy and allowing excess irrigation to drain through the holes in the pot. 

This does not imply that all soil substrates contain these ingredients. In fact, it is common to find natural, harmless, non-nutrient laden soil substrates, perfect for the grower to establish the right nutrient pattern for the growing needs. Because not all plants are the same, not all plants need the same type of substrate.

Many substrates also use pH regulators to control the acidity of the soil and adapt it to indoor and outdoor plant cultivation. 

The best soil substrates

First, it is worth mentioning the Canna Terra Professional soil substrate, one of the bestsellers among European growers. It is an optimal mixture of natural soil, organic compost and perlite, which allows for healthy crops in a 100% organic medium. This substrate is deeply homogeneous, with a system of balance between water drainage and optimal oxygenation for the plants, which favours the creation of a healthy root system. 

Light Mix from the prestigious manufacturer Biobizz is another of the best options in the Natural Experience range of soil substrates. This product is suitable for organic agriculture and is the perfect complement to Biobizz organic fertilizers, one of the most popular on the market. Light Mix has a pH adjusted for indoor and outdoor cultivation, as well as an optimal mix of natural soil and nutrients. 

At Experiencia Natural you can find the best selection of soil substrates from the best manufacturers on the market, at the best price and with free shipping*.